France and Gabon Reach First Memorandum of Understanding on Manganese
Gabon and France have signed a preliminary agreement on manganese, with French mining group Eramet committing to invest in increasing local processing capacity in Gabon.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash
During Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's state visit to France, a key memorandum of understanding was signed with Eramet, focusing on boosting Gabon's manganese processing capabilities. This agreement aims to modernize the Transgabonais railway network and aligns with Gabon's goal to cease raw ore exports by 2029.
Imagine Gabon has a special rock called manganese, which is like a super ingredient for making strong metals and even parts for electric car batteries. Right now, Gabon mostly digs up this rock and sends it away raw. But now, Gabon and a French company called Eramet have made a deal. Eramet will help Gabon build factories to turn the raw rock into more useful stuff right there in Gabon. This means Gabon gets to make more money from its own rocks and also fix up its train tracks that carry the rock, making everything better for the country.
Analysis
Advancing Local Processing and Infrastructure
Gabon, a major global producer of manganese, has taken a decisive step towards enhancing its domestic industrial capacity through a new memorandum of understanding with the French mining giant Eramet. This agreement, signed during President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's state visit to France, underscores Gabon's strategic ambition to move beyond raw material extraction. Eramet has committed to investing in increasing its manganese processing capabilities within Gabon, a move that is expected to significantly boost the country's value chain for this critical mineral. The initiative is also intrinsically linked to the modernization and securing of the Transgabonais railway network, a vital artery for transporting the ore from inland mines to the Atlantic coast.
Eramet's Industrial Roadmap and Gabonese Commitments
The joint industrial roadmap outlined by Eramet projects the processing of up to 700,000 tons of manganese by 2031. This ambitious target is supported by Gabon's reciprocal commitment to provide the necessary conditions for the economic viability and implementation of these projects, particularly ensuring access to energy. Three distinct scenarios are under consideration for achieving this goal: the construction of a new manganese oxide production plant in Libreville by 2028, the modernization of the existing Moanda metallurgical complex—currently the sole ore processing site in Gabon and Central Africa—or the most ambitious option, the construction of a new manganese alloy production plant by 2031. The manganese oxide plant, for instance, is envisioned to produce approximately 10,000 tons of finished product annually, destined for electric vehicle batteries and high-performance steels.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
This protocol is a cornerstone of Gabon's broader strategy to halt raw manganese exports by 2029, a priority championed by President Oligui Nguema. While Paris has expressed agreement in principle with this objective, discussions are ongoing regarding the timeline, which France views as potentially restrictive. The agreement's successful implementation would not only improve the transport infrastructure by renewing 650 kilometers of railway tracks between Owendo and Franceville but also contribute to the country's economic diversification and industrialization. The focus on local transformation of manganese, a key component in various high-tech industries, positions Gabon to capture more value from its natural resources and strengthen its role in global supply chains for strategic minerals.
Key points
- Gabon and France signed a memorandum of understanding on manganese processing during President Oligui Nguema's state visit.
- French mining group Eramet commits to investing in increasing local manganese transformation capacities in Gabon.
- The agreement aims to process up to 700,000 tons of manganese by 2031 and modernize the Transgabonais railway network.
- Three scenarios are being considered: a new manganese oxide plant, modernization of the Moanda complex, or a new manganese alloy plant.
- Gabon's priority is to stop raw manganese exports by 2029, with France seeking flexibility on the timeline.
If successfully implemented, this agreement could significantly boost Gabon's industrial capacity, create local jobs, and increase the value derived from its manganese resources. The modernization of the Transgabonais railway would also improve national connectivity and facilitate broader economic development.
Challenges could arise if Gabon struggles to provide consistent energy access or if France's concerns about the restrictive timeline for ending raw exports lead to delays. The ambitious nature of the projects also carries risks related to financing and execution, potentially slowing Gabon's industrialization goals.
